As far as Anelle was concerned, Rhiane’s value was far less than the sunglasses perched on the former’s elegant nose. Her hazel eyes sized up the brunette standing by the window seat while the prince freed himself from the seatbelt. Not a single word in her contract said that she was supposed to take orders from a woman of low birth, especially not before her staff and the royal guards. When Anelle said yes to the assignment, all that was in her mind was the possibility of rekindling old flame. Maybe with Sophia Keller out of the prince’s life and him being stuck with a woman without class, he would finally realize the value of the lady he once turned his back on. It was a pleasant surprise to have witnessed their elitist crown prince displaying affections for a nameless woman. The Luke she knew wouldn’t even spare a glance at the common people if he could help it. 

Perhaps Rhiane Black, despite her humble roots and charming smile, was an expert when it came to seducing men. She was beautiful for one who was born and raised in the countryside, but not even the most expensive clothes and jewelries could cover the mud on her cheeks and the scent that reeked of poverty. Whatever talent she picked up from her farmer friends in the country, Luke would surely get tired of it soon enough. Someone like him just would not settle for a woman without class.

Whatever ran in her mind did not show on her face. It was an art she mastered – painting an earnest smile on her face even when she could not stand to look at the other person’s face without emptying the contents of her stomach. “I’m sure we can make some time for a short chat, Rhiane. I would not dare ask what it is that you need the press to hear, just don’t embarrass yourself out there.” She told a staff to pass on the message to the waiting and armed media some meters from the air strip and close to where their rides were parked, then her smile turned sympathetic. “Would you like to stay inside the plane while Rhiane speaks to the waiting reporters, Luke?”

Well, it was a tempting idea. He disliked the cameras and its judgmental lenses, the solitude that the empty plane offered was enticing, but then again there was something Rhiane could do for him which was why he put an effort to not antagonize her that day. “It’s fine, I need to stretch my legs anyway.” He put on his wayfarers then offered his arm to her.

[hr]

The sun greeted the couple and their entourage. Nolan, Tobias and the rest of the security team were in their black uniforms, armed and alert as the VIPs climbed down the steps. It could have had so much green surrounding the runway on springtime, but the leaves had long fallen off the twigs to color the earth with their fiery hue. Beyond the concrete was the waiting crowd. Cameras flashed; unrest was visible among the people. It was not everyday that the crown prince paid a visit to that parts of the kingdom. In fact, it was the first time in a very long time that a member of the royal family had set foot in their humble little town. 

Luke scanned the faces of the men and women behind the line set by the local security forces. The craned their necks, went on tip toes, in an effort to catch a glimpse of the couple. Rhiane’s hometown did not have its own airstrip, it was a much less developed farming community farther south. Anelle had intended the couple to spend the night in that town and travel only to Rhiane’s home when necessary, but Luke had other plans. Plans which did not include the media on their heels to film their every movement and criticize each perceived error. 

Anelle waved at one reporter eagerly, though one would have to guess whether she meant the eagerness or not. “Take your time to think your statement through, Rhiane.” So she wouldn’t embarrass herself and Luke in the process, she wanted to add, looking over her shoulder at the farmer.